# Kling AI vs Runway

> Kling AI: Generate AI video and images from text, photos and references in one studio
> Runway: AI video, image and audio creation suite with Gen-4.5, agents and an API

- Kling AI profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/kling-ai
- Runway profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/runway
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/kling-ai-vs-runway
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Kling AI is listed under Video AI and Runway under Image & Visual AI. Both have a free plan or trial.

### Choose Kling AI if

- You want a tool built for Text-to-video and image-to-video clips.
- Text-to-video, image-to-video and reference-based generation in one studio.
- Kling 3.0 adds native audio and clips of up to 15 seconds.

### Choose Runway if

- You want a tool built for Text-to-video and image-to-video generation.
- Combines video, image and audio generation and editing in one workspace.
- Offers Runway's own Gen-4.5 plus third-party models such as Seedance 2.0.

## Pricing

| | Kling AI | Runway |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Kling AI | Runway |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Text-to-video | Yes | Not listed |
| Image-to-video | Yes | Not listed |
| Reference-based generation | Yes | Not listed |
| Native audio | Yes | Not listed |
| Image generation | Yes | Not listed |
| Effects and editing tools | Yes | Not listed |
| Mobile apps | Yes | Not listed |
| Kling API | Yes | Not listed |
| Gen-4.5 video model | Not listed | Yes |
| Creative Agent | Not listed | Yes |
| Multiple models | Not listed | Yes |
| Characters | Not listed | Yes |
| Aleph and Act-Two | Not listed | Yes |
| Audio tools | Not listed | Yes |
| Workflows and Recipes | Not listed | Yes |
| Runway Dev API | Not listed | Yes |
| Runway MCP | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Kling AI | Runway |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | No | No |
| macOS | No | No |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |

## Kling AI strengths

- Text-to-video, image-to-video and reference-based generation in one studio
- Kling 3.0 adds native audio and clips of up to 15 seconds
- Free credits are available without a subscription
- Web, iOS and Android apps, plus a developer API
- Backed by Kuaishou, with regular model updates

## Kling AI limitations

- Credits are consumed per generation, so cost per clip varies by model and length
- Prices and first-month discounts have changed several times
- Free credit amount is not published on the pricing page
- Queue times can be long for free users when demand is high

## Runway strengths

- Combines video, image and audio generation and editing in one workspace
- Offers Runway's own Gen-4.5 plus third-party models such as Seedance 2.0
- Creative Agent builds videos from a conversation
- Runway Dev API with Node and Python SDKs
- Free plan with 125 credits that do not expire
- Native iOS and Android apps

## Runway limitations

- Credit-based pricing: a 5-second Gen-4.5 clip costs 60 credits, so the 625 credits on Standard cover about 10 such clips
- Standard and Pro credits do not roll over at the end of the month
- Some App Store reviewers complain about the cost of failed or unusable generations
- 4K upscaling is unlimited only on Pro and Max

## FAQ

**Is Kling AI better than Runway?**

It depends on your workflow. Kling AI is built for Text-to-video and image-to-video clips. Runway is built for Text-to-video and image-to-video generation.

**What are the key feature differences between Kling AI and Runway?**

Kling AI: Generate AI video and images from text, photos and references in one studio. Runway: AI video, image and audio creation suite with Gen-4.5, agents and an API. Kling AI is rated 4.0/5 from 1 user review.

**Does Kling AI or Runway have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Kling AI is freemium and Runway is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Kling AI or Runway?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.